Marine Emergency Calls
Marine Emergency Calls
Medical, boating, and fire emergencies happen every year in the Thousand Islands. Fortunately, there are emergency rescue fire boats on both sides of the river that can bring medical and firefighting personnel to the location of these emergencies.
An initiative undertaken by the TIA in 2024 provides islanders with fridge magnets upon which they can write the specific information that needs to be relayed during 911 calls so that rescue boats can get to their dock without unnecessary delays. It is imperative that the 911 call begin by specifying that a marine emergency is being reported and on which side of the border. This information triggers local protocols for rescue boats. Details regarding these fridge magnets and other aspects of medical emergency services can be found with this link. Anwers to a number of FAQs about making 911 emergency marine medical calls from islands are available in the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of River Talk.
Boaters in distress can call the Coast Guard via VHF radio CH16 (or by cell phone at *16 or #16, if available on your phone; or (800) 267-7270 in Canada; (866) 842-1560 in the United States). For less urgent situations when just a tow is needed, C-Tow can be contacted in Canada and BoatUS in the United States. Both towing services have smart phone apps and various options for inexpensive annual memberships. The app what3words is a very handy and effective way of providing first responders with your exact current location – anywhere and anytime.
Local Fire Services and Emergency Responders: